Aussie Ark in NSW hit by catastrophic floods but Tasmanian devils moved to safety

An important interstate breeding program for the endangered Tasmanian devil has been hit by the flooding in NSW, with wildlife lovers springing into action to protect the animals.

The biggest interstate captive breeding program for the endangered Tasmanian devil has been hit by the catastrophic floods in NSW.

Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary chief operations officer, Amanda Woodbine, says only 15 devils had to be moved from their population of 200.

“No animals have been lost amongst the sanctuary’s population of Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, koalas, brush-tailed fock-wallabies, rufous bettongs, parma wallabies or potoroos,” she said.

Tim Faulkner managing director Aussie Ark rescuing a Tasmanian devil from flood waters that have inundated Aussie Ark home to the largest mainland breeding program of Tasmanian devils located at Barrington Tops New South Wales. Picture: Aussie Ark

“We are very lucky!”

Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops area of NSW established Tasmanian devils in 2011 and have 15 huge intensive breeding yards.

Regarded as a world leader in breeding and rewilding Australia’s most endangered species, Ms Woodbine says the sanctaury breeds between 30 and 50 Tasmanian Devils every year.

Tim Faulkner managing director Aussie Ark rescuing a Tasmanian devil from flood waters that have inundated Aussie Ark home to the largest mainland breeding program of Tasmanian devils located at Barrington Tops New South Wales. Picture: Aussie Ark

Aussie Ark says the floods have devastated the sanctuary’s infrastructure, inundating enclosures, washing out access roads, and causing widespread damage to critical fencing that keeps endangered wildlife safe.

It says all animals, including the devils, have been accounted for and are in good condition, with staff working around the clock and taking measures to keep them safe, dry, and secure.

More than 400mm has fallen in recent days in the area with another 100mm falling overnight on Thursday

Tim Faulkner managing director Aussie Ark rescuing a Tasmanian devil from flood waters that have inundated Aussie Ark home to the largest mainland breeding program of Tasmanian devils located at Barrington Tops New South Wales. Picture: Aussie Ark

Aussie Ark managing director Tim Faulkner said wildlife was being carefully relocated to the sanctuary’s brand-new veterinary block, while enclosures were repaired and the weather eased.

He said with regular supply chains disrupted by floodwaters, a fruit and vegetable drop was being coordinated to ensure animals continued to receive the nutrition they needed.

Mr Faulkner said an emergency team from the Australian Reptile Park was providing extra support.

“Our teams are working day in and day out, mending fences and repairing damage, only for the relentless rain to knock everything over again,” he said.

“It’s a constant battle, but we are determined to keep going and protect every single animal in our care.”

The scale of the damage is still being assessed, but Mr Faulkner said it was clear that the recovery and rebuild would be significant.

A flood appeal has been launched to assist with critical repair work, with generous support already coming in from key partners such as Re:wild and WildArk.

Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/FloodRebuild

Aussie Ark was grateful, he said, for the incredible support from the public, its partners, and emergency responders during this difficult time.

Flood waters that have inundated Aussie Ark home to the largest mainland breeding program of Tasmanian devils located at Barrington Tops New South Wales. Picture: Aussie Ark

Originally published as Aussie Ark in NSW hit by catastrophic floods but Tasmanian devils moved to safety